Month: April 2010

Shutter Island

Even though I am a fan of both Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio and most of their works together, I didn’t want to watch “Shutter Island“.  Why?  Because of the trailer.

I saw the trailer several times.  And every time I saw it, I thought exactly the same: “It looks nice, but it’s just not my type of the movie”.  Trailer seemed to show full plot and all the highlights of the movie.  And what I saw wasn’t something to bring me in.

And that’s a pity.  Because I nearly missed an awesome movie!  By pure accident did I go to see it yesterday, and, boy, am I happy that I did!  This film is excellent on every level.  There is a twisted, interesting, and engaging plot.  Just when you thought you got it, it turns and changes, and goes the other way.  Even when you think the movie is at the end and you know how it will end, it ends in a totally different unpredictable way.

On top of that there is a rich visual layer.  Scenes go back and forward between a very desaturated, almost grey-and-white setting to very vivid colours and shapes and textures.  And it happens in a very balanced matter.  It’s not a colourful film, but it’s not a black-and-white either.  Colours swing together with plot twists and character moods.  And music.

And speaking of characters, there was some amazing acting.  The cast is fantastic and these are just the people to see in the film like this.

In short, do yourself a favour – go see this film.  You’ll get a little something extra from watching it on the big screen.  5 out of 5.

Road tax and MOT obsolete

The rumour has been going around for some time, but until now I haven’t heard anything credible.  OnThisIsland.com linked to an article Cyprus Mail about the new law regarding road tax and MOT paper disks – they are obsolete.  Furthermore, having them displayed can get you in trouble.  Not only they obscure a tiny useless part of your windscreen, but traffic police can issue a 50 EUR fine for you.

The article, dated April 8 2010, says:

Ioannis Nicolaides, Head of Technical Services at the Road Transport department said the law was passed in parliament three weeks ago and came into effect two weeks ago.

This means that quite some time has passed and traffic police can easily switch from warnings to actual fines.

I don’t have MOT displayed on my windscreen, but the road tax I will remove tomorrow morning.  And, also, being a “computer guy” this is just music to my ears:

The discs are now obsolete, as all registration data is computerised and ready to hand for road traffic police.

Back from the party land

I’m back from the party land.  This was, no doubt, the longest and heaviest birthday celebration that I ever had.  I’ve been going from drunk to wasted for a whole week, and got to the stage where my body does not accept alcohol any more.  Not even a beer.  I need a break for a week or so.

Big thanks to everyone who sent warm wishes, presents, and money, who called and came, who thought, and so on and so forth.  I think there were well over a hundred people who congratulated me this time.  I can’t tell you how awesome it makes me feel!

And of course with so many good things coming my way, there were some really special presents.  Just to name a few:

  • Fallout3 and Gran Turismo video games for PlayStation3.  I tried both of them already and they are excellent.   Fallout3 will have me exploring its world for many months to come.  Gran Turismo is faster than that – I already completed all events in category C and B, started with Category A, and got myself my first Ferrari.  There are many excellent cars to drive, tracks to try, and I haven’t even got into online races.  Hours and days of my life will be spent staring at the TV.
  • “The Mummy” and “The Mummy Returns” Blu-ray disks.  These are my first blu-rays to both own and watch.  I was expecting something out of a blu-ray experience, but I never expected what I got.  It is absolutely stunning!  I think I finally got all the bits of the setup in order – PlayStaytion3 blu-ray player, 32-inch Sony Bravia HD TV, and an HDMI cable to connect them.  The results are mind blowing.  It’s crisp and clear and colourful and almost 3D-like and makes me want to never ever watch another DVD again.
  • Kwak beer set.  And the best part of it – two traditional Kwak glasses and a wooden glass holder.  This is something that I always wanted to have, but would probably never bought for myself.  In a few days, when my body clears all the traces of last week’s alcohol consumption, I will enjoy a glass of Kwak at home.  And now I can do it with a friend too.

There were, of course, more awesome presents, but the idea here is not to list all of them, but to show off the amazing people that I am surrounded with.  Thank you all once again – it was a blast!